Ukulele Club members and guests enjoyed playing at the Open House. (Photo by Jim Mitchell)
Gillian Driscoll
On Jan. 15, the Palm Room at the Eagle’s Nest Clubhouse was filled to the limit with folks eager to learn more about the club and playing the ukulele. More than 60 people took all the chairs and tables available with more chairs brought in to accommodate the overflow.
The newcomers were first entertained by seasoned members with a few songs to demonstrate the versatility of the instrument. Extra ukuleles were brought to the Open House by club members so all newcomers were able to have one to try out. As well as spare ukuleles, there were packets with information about the club and the ukulele, different sizes, where to buy one, etc. This was all thanks to the hours of volunteer work by our sound technician Jim Mitchell, who since he joined a few years ago has been instrumental in upping our game with microphones and amplification. Thanks, Jim!
After introductions our “other” Jim, Jim Miller, our musical director, gave the audience some instruction in easy chords and strumming techniques. Club members spread themselves out among the tables and offered assistance to those who were feeling “all fingers and thumbs.” After practicing a few chords and some strumming, newcomers were able to play a few simple songs. There were a variety of facial expressions as people concentrated, expressed some frustration, and finally triumphed! Gillian Driscoll took over the instruction offering some tips, shortcuts, ideas for practice, and even some “cheats” to make progress easier.
Then club members continued with some more easy songs inviting the beginners to try and join in where they could or just sing along. There were many smiling faces and a great time was had by all. Club members have volunteered to provide 6 weeks of additional instruction for 45 minutes before our regular jam. Overall, 22 new members signed up and we look forward to getting to know them and help them to become happy “ukers.”
The PebbleCreek Ukulele Club meets every Thursday throughout the year in the Palm Room at the Eagle’s Nest Clubhouse at 1 p.m. We play until 2:30 p.m. We invite all Creekers to join us whenever you like. Even if you don’t want to learn to play, we welcome those who want to sing along or just listen. Hope to see you sometime soon!